Cunningham: Ambitious clean energy plan makes Illinois national leader

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham, who has been deeply involved in negotiations on a piece of legislation meant to spark Illinois’ renewable energy sector and preserve and create tens of thousands of jobs, celebrated the measure’s final passage through the General Assembly.

“This ambitious plan would make Illinois a national leader in fighting climate change and creating jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “This legislation has been years in the making, and I want to thank both the labor and environmental communities for their passion and dedication in getting it across the finish line.”

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New Belt-sponsored laws benefit all Illinois residents

EAST ST. LOUIS – After a busy legislative spring session, Illinoisans will benefit from a number of new laws championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“This spring I was able to pass more than a dozen new laws, including water and sewer assistance to low-income residents, help for service members who wish to receive their professional licenses quicker, and a requirement for state parks to fly three flags that represent our freedom,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing these newly signed laws create a long-term benefit for the residents of the 57^th District and all Illinoisans.”

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Corruption-busting U.S. Attorney is Harmon’s pick for inspector general search panel

SPRINGFIELD — Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon has been named to the search committee for a new Illinois Legislative Inspector General by Senate President Don Harmon.

Fardon is arguably best known for his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, where he oversaw prosecution in areas of corporate misconduct, health care and securities fraud, public corruption, gangs, terrorism and other criminal and civil matters.

He was part of the federal prosecution trial team that won a conviction against former Illinois Gov. George Ryan.

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Bennett urges college students to take precautions in case of fire on campus

CHAMPAIGN – As students return to campus for the fall semester, Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is joining the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the National Fire Protection Association to offer tips to students to help prevent common campus fires and reduce fire hazards.

“With students returning to campus after being home for much of last year, and many of them being on their own for the first time, it’s extremely important for them to review fire safety tips to learn how to prevent fires,” Bennett said. “The more prepared students are, the better we can reduce fire risk.”

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